!TAHOE BACKCOUNTRY! (meetups)

Getting crazy excited about winter and all that jazz... Stumbled upon this really rad site with like every ski accsessed line in tahoe (so it seems). I feel that any cats who are on their BC game should have some meetups and go shred and get some fresh throughout this winter.

I just moved to the bay area a few months ago from upstate ny, but when I was in Tahoe in march i skied Tallac and Bliss based off of the trip reports from thebackcountry. Most of the peaks along 89 have easy approaches, amazing views, and a lot of diverse terrain! I am definitely down to meetup with people. I will be coming in from Oakland most weekends.

Went to an avalanche awareness presentation at California Ski Co. last night in Berkeley. It was super interesting, I am trying to get a group of people together from work and outside to get a group rate on a Level 1 course, any interest? Also, if you are looking for bc ski gear in the bay area, California Ski Co. has a really good in-stock selection (skins, packs, shovels, beacons, probes, packs, airbags, etc.)

If anyone wants to take there Aiare Level 1 at Kirkwood If you say you were at sports basement you'll get 50 bucks off, that's what they said last night. I think it's also cheaper too than elsewhere.

RIP CR Johnson 2/24/10
RIP Shane 3/26/09

"The crickets and the rust-beetles scuttled among the nettles of the sage thicket. "Vámonos, amigos," he whispered, and threw the busted leather flintcraw over the loose weave of the saddlecock. And they rode on in the friscalating dusklight."- Eli Cash

I want to take my level 2 but I took my level 1 in colorado and the maritime snowpack is way different than continental. debating just doing my level 1 again vs. taking level 2 for more in depth knowledge. thoughts?

Don't take my word on this because I am no expert, but this came from Gary Bard who I hear speak last night, he is one of the original AiARE instructors (and i believe founders too).

1) He said since they overhauled the level 1 curriculum a few years ago, you can take sequential courses in any state. They have toned down the emphasis on types of snow in certain regions/snow tests to focusing more on weather forecasting, planning, and terrain selection. So whether or not you should retake may depend on how long ago it was.

2) In my search for courses I have noticed that several places offer level 1 refresher courses. One being the Outdoor Adventure Club out of Lassen National Forest. This could be a good option, they are usually cheaper and look like a more concise curriculum.

3) He said if your in this similar situation trying to choose what type of course to take to shoot AIARE and email and ask. This is probably your best option. info@avtraining.org

"If you french fry when you should pizza, you're gonna have a bad time."

Its thin but there is some good snow. Did a short tour around Ward Peak today and will be checking out more towards Kirkwood tomorrow. If anyone knows some zones or chutes/colours that are good let me know, as its pretty thin where I usually go looking for some areas that will be good.

I did Elephants Back today. It was decent all things considered. The snow on the second section was actually pretty good. Found a short but fun shoot that had snow to get down the first section. You definitely have to pick your way around but there are a few good turns to be had if you are determined. The road out had snow the whole way so you can ski right to your car at the bottom.

Has anyone ever put some laps in at the abandoned iron mtn resort on the carson spur about 12 miles west of kirkwoood? ill post a picture of the zone ive been looking at. if the snow doesnt get baked there could be some amazing stuff!